The Professional Kabaddi League, launched in 2014, has reworked kabaddi in some ways to make the game extra accessible to the followers. As we enter a brand new decade of the PKL, E Prasad Rao, fondly often known as Kabaddi Rao and the Technical Director of PKL, shared worthwhile insights into the outstanding journey of refereeing within the league during the last 10 years. Forward of the brand new season, Kabaddi Rao and his workforce held a camp for 45 referees from October 1 to 14 – with eight feminine officers, together with 20 first-timers – a stark improve from final season’s 37 referees.
With lower than per week remaining for the primary match of PKL 11 between the Telugu Titans and the Bengaluru Bulls on the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 18, we caught up with the Technical Director of the PKL to debate the expansion of the refereeing division during the last 10 years.
“I used to be concerned with PKL from the very starting, serving to to form the foundations and laws to reinforce the sport’s attraction,” Rao recalled. This early involvement set the stage for a complete strategy to officiating that has developed by means of the years.
Probably the most vital developments has been the introduction of a structured coaching program for referees. “The idea of formal referee coaching programs and workshops happened after PKL’s inception,” Rao explains. “It is not nearly getting a certification and blowing a whistle anymore. We’re instructing officers to really perceive their position.”
This shift from ad-hoc officiating to skilled improvement has been a game-changer.
The PKL has pioneered a number of improvements in officiating, most notably the introduction of the TV umpire. “PKL was the primary to introduce TV umpiring in kabaddi,” Rao said proudly. This technological development has considerably improved the accuracy of decision-making within the fast-paced sport.
The league’s dedication to officiating excellence is obvious with its complete coaching strategy. “We have created specialised roles and practical areas for officers. As an illustration, we now have 4 line umpires, a place that did not exist in kabaddi earlier than,” detailed. This specialization has led to extra exact and honest judgments throughout matches.
Bodily health and psychological preparedness of referees have additionally change into focal factors. “Our coaching classes begin early, specializing in bodily health. We work on particular expertise like response time and agility, that are essential for maintaining with kabaddi’s dynamic nature,” commented Rao.
Apparently, the PKL has integrated unconventional coaching strategies to reinforce referees’ efficiency. “We have built-in yoga classes into our coaching routine,” Rao reveals. This observe helps officers keep composure and make clear-headed choices beneath strain.
Communication expertise have been one other space of great enchancment. “We’re working with speech specialists to assist referees talk successfully and uniformly,” he says, highlighting the significance of clear and constant signaling and verbal cues throughout matches.
The PKL’s referee coaching program has set new requirements within the sport, influencing even nationwide and worldwide kabaddi our bodies. “We’re seeing state associations and even worldwide organizations conducting comparable workshops now,” Rao notes. “There is a rising recognition of the significance of referee coaching.”
Trying to the longer term, Rao emphasizes the crucial position of officiating within the success of the league. “Good refereeing and judgment are essential for the success of any competitors,” he asserts. This philosophy has not solely improved the standard of matches however has additionally fostered respect for referees amongst gamers and followers alike.
Because the Professional Kabaddi League enters its second decade, the progress in refereeing stands as a testomony to the league’s dedication to excellence. From technological improvements to complete coaching packages, the evolution of officiating in PKL has considerably contributed to the game’s rising reputation and professionalism. With continued focus and innovation, the usual of refereeing in kabaddi is about to succeed in even higher heights within the years to come back.
For all updates on the Professional Kabaddi league, go surfing to www.prokabaddi.com, obtain the Official Professional Kabaddi app or comply with @prokabaddi on Instagram, YouTube, Fb and X.
The Professional Kabaddi League Season 11 shall be broadcast stay on the Star Sports activities Community and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar from October 18.
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a press launch)
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